Monday April, 23 is #EnglishLanguageDay and we're thinking about all the ways that English helps bridge the opportunity gap. As a world language, English opens up educational and vocational avenues for people who may otherwise be faced with a lack of opportunity. To native speakers of English, this might seem simplistic, so let us share the story of what learning English can do…

Before he was the famous Apple CEO, Steve Jobs wrote a book titled “The Journey is the Reward.” The idea behind that book title was not an original thought, however it does have great insight and relevance for many who struggle to live fully in each moment. The reminder to appreciate each step of the journey is apt.

For native speakers of English, it feels like we can cheat linguistically around the world. There is often someone, somewhere who can offer assistance in our mother tongue. Here in Thailand, there is a resurgence in the value placed on learning English. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has decided that English will be it’s unifying language. And just like that, there is a felt need to move beyond the jargon specific to one’s field of study and build confidence in free-flow conversation and everyday life (in English, of all languages).